China is combining two of its largest state-backed brokerages to create a new behemoth as it seeks to consolidate the $1.7 trillion sector and build stronger investment banks to compete with overseas financial firms.
Guotai Junan Securities will merge with smaller rival Haitong Securities through a share swap, according to statements from both companies on Thursday. The combination of the firms, both partly owned by Shanghai’s state assets administrator, will create a new entity with assets of 1.6 trillion yuan ($230 billion), topping Citic Securities as the largest brokerage.
The merger is pending approval from the companies’ boards and shareholders, as well as regulatory authorities.
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